Traffic backed up on northbound Interstate 15 entering the Virgin River Gorge, Arizona, May 22, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Stacy Williams, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — A delay in traffic is taking place on northbound Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge Friday afternoon, according to police.

Currently, about 5 miles of traffic is backed up entering the gorge, and traffic is expected to be delayed until around 7 p.m. MST, Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Sgt. John Bottoms said in a release.

“It’s apparent that many Nevada residents are fleeing their lockdown and heading north into Utah,” he said.

The delays are being caused by a highway construction project that has reduced travel to one lane through the gorge.

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Traffic backed up on northbound Interstate 15 entering the Virgin River Gorge, Arizona, May 22, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Stacy Williams, St. George News

Traffic backed up on northbound Interstate 15 entering the Virgin River Gorge, Arizona, May 22, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Stacy Williams, St. George News

Traffic backed up on northbound Interstate 15 entering the Virgin River Gorge, Arizona, May 22, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Stacy Williams, St. George News

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